Sunshine for Your Health

Sometimes people look at me crazy when I tell them I lay out in the sun whenever I can. Yes, I know your thinking, why does an African American need sun. Well, the answer might astonish you. And you too may have the problem. You see a few years ago, I was diagnosed with extremely low levels of vitamin D. So low in fact, my doctor said if I was a child, I would have been at risk of rickets.
I had no idea. But the more I thought about it, it made sense. I do not drink milk. It has always made me sick. I do eat cheese and yogurt, but apparently, it was not enough. I now take vitamin D supplements every day. My doctor advised me to try and get 20 minutes in the sun whenever I can. Obviously in Wisconsin, during some months that's no easy feat..(LOL)!!!
More and more people are being diagnosed with low levels of vitamin D. The problem is especially acute in sun starved states like Wisconsin. Also, people are being so vigilant about using sunscreen, their skin is not absorbing vitamin D when they are outside.
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to everything from Multiple Sclerosis to cancer to fibromyalgia. So, it's a good idea to get a deficiency corrected as soon as possible. Had my doctor not suggested the test I never would have known.
The good news is vitamin D levels can be fixed. After a few years of supplements and sunshine, my levels are normal.

This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.